Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, it feels like you've been transported to a Parisian café without leaving your kitchen. This Baked Cinnamon Creme Brulee French Toast is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary morning fare into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. With its rich, custardy texture, warm cinnamon notes, and a vibrant burst of raspberry preserves, this recipe will revolutionize your breakfast game and make you the hero of your household's morning routine.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Raspberry preserves for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your French toast bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
- Begin by preparing the brioche bread. Slice the loaf into thick slices, approximately 1 to
- 5 inches in thickness. You should have about 8 to 10 slices depending on the size of your loaf.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the slices of brioche bread in a single layer in the dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the slices of bread, ensuring that each slice is well coated. You may want to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture for a richer flavor.
- Once the soaking time is complete, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set further and make it easier to cut.
- Serve warm, topped with raspberry preserves for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality brioche bread for the most luxurious texture—its buttery, rich profile is key to this recipe's success.
- For maximum flavor absorption, let the bread soak in the custard mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy for a smoother, more evenly mixed custard.
- Don't rush the baking process; a slow, even bake ensures a creamy interior and golden exterior.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh raspberries or a mint leaf alongside the preserves.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for a crisp finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 220mg
